In a rather surprising turn of events, the tenure of MLA Steve Ashton is over.
The 30+ year career as Thompson’s representative with the province of Manitoba came to an end as he was voted out and Progressive Conservative Kelly Bindle was voted in.
It was a close vote, with Bindle receiving 1,709 votes to Ashton’s 1,499, a difference of 210 votes. Liberal candidate Inez Vystrcil-Spence received 616 votes.
Bindle says he was humbled by the election, and even this morning is still in disbelief.
"We stayed down at the Army Navy until the last of the polls were in, probably until about midnight. I was humbled, and it didn't sink in right away. I still find it hard to believe, it was my first time running and the desire for change in the north, I knew it was there but I didn't realize it was as strong as it is."
The PCs will form a majority government with 40 seats in the house and Brian Pallister will be sworn in as the 22nd Premier of Manitoba.
